Comfrey

The elder flower is rather musk-scented. Some feel that its perfume is somewhat psychoactive, and this may be the reason why so much lore and legend surround it. Elder blossoms are often used in herbal salves for tropical application to the skin. Other common herbs included in such salves are comfrey leaves (Symphytum officinale), calendula (Calendula officinalis) blossoms and plantain (Plantago major) leaves. 

When an herb is found to be toxic, the herb is withdrawn from the German market. Comfrey is no longer available in Germany because of its carcinogenicity. Unfortunately, however, comfrey is still available in the United States [15]. 

A dietary supplement may be safe when taken in the recommended doses but may become dangerous in higher doses. However, patients may develop side effects even when ingesting recommended doses. Adverse reactions may be due to allergic reactions, dietary supplements containing toxic substances, mis-identification of plant, mislabeling of plant, natural toxic substances such as pyrrolizidine alkaloids in comfrey, unnatural toxic substances such as heavy metals, or pesticides. 

Plant-based fertilizers These include comfrey, alfalfa, and soy to feed vegetables. 

Below right) Space Invaders Rampant herbs include horseradish and Russian tarragon (pictured), plus feverfew, tansy, mint, comfrey, borage, evening primrose, coltsfoot, and creeping Jenny. 

Many herbal teas, comfrey Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, including intermedine, lycopsamine, and symphytine... 

The FDA issued a consumer advisory in 2001 about the dietary supplement comfrey (Symphytum officionale, Symphytum aspe-rum, and Symphytum x. uplandicum), sometimes recommended for digestive problems, because the product may be associated with liver disease. 

Comfrey Internal digestive aid topical for wound healing Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, hepatotoxicity Avoid ingestion topical use should be limited to 4-6 weeks... 

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) Uses Topical treatment of wounds, bruises, sprains, inflammation Action Multiple chemical components, allantoin promotes cell division, rosmarinic acid has anti-inflammatory effects, tannin possesses astringent effects, mucilage is a demulcent w/ anti-inflammatory properties, pyrrolizidine alkaloids cause hepatotox Available forms Topical application w/ 5—20% of herb applied on intact skin for up to 10 d Contra Do not take orally d/t hepatotox, do not use if PRG or w/ lactation Notes/SE N/V, exfoliative dermatitis w/ topical use Interactions T Risk of hepatotox W/ ingestion of borage, golden ragwort, hemp, Petasites EMS None... 

Some herbal products are very toxic. Comfrey may be an effective treatment for bruises and sprains, but it contains pyrrazolidine alkaloids, which can cause severe liver damage. 

Comfrey has been used to treat respiratory problems (bronchitis, catarrh hemoptysis, pleurisy, whooping cough), gastrointestinal diseases (cholecystitis, colitis, dysentery, diarrhea, ulcers, hematemesis), metorrhagia, phlebitis, and tonsillitis. It is currently promoted for preventing kidney stones and for treating rheumatic and pulmonary disorders, and injuries such as bums and bruises. 

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